Intersecting Identities, Marginalization Processes and Multiculturalism: A Commentary on the 6th Annual Ethnic and Pluralism Studies Graduate Research Conference

Academic conferences serve as moments and spaces for young scholars to engage in productive conversations, develop networks and gain public speaking experience. Between January 31st and February 1st 2013, the Ethnic and Pluralism Studies (EPS) program at the University of Toronto, successfully hosted its 6th annual Graduate Research Conference at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Focused on issues of migration and ethnicity, the two-full day event brought together Canadian and international graduate students from a variety of disciplines. The yearly EPS events have established a tradition of interactive scholarly dialogues. Presenters submit their papers in advance to the session chair(s). Postpresentation, expert discussants provide young scholars with extensive feedback, intended to rework their manuscripts into potential publishable submissions. Featuring a keynote presentation, usually taught by a renowned scholar within the ethnic studies field, the conference creates a platform for students, junior scholars and other academics to engage in productive conceptual conversations and share innovative research methods. This short report style paper documents the multifaceted works concluded at the 6th EPS conference. Thematically linking papers and scholarly dialogues, it highlights the significance of a graduate student conference in promoting critical skills and addressing social (in)justices regarding the wellbeing of marginalized immigrant groups.